Lincoln’s First Championship Home Game Since 1961
Lincoln City hosted Portsmouth at Sincil Bank on 24 August, marking the club’s first home match in the second tier since 1961. The Imps, who were promoted from League One last season, were greeted by a sold-out crowd of 10,545, including American backer Ron Fowler.
Pompey’s Early Dominance
Teenage Chelsea loanee Ryan Kavuma-McQueen scored his first senior goal, slotting a bottom-corner finish to give Portsmouth a 1-0 lead. Adrian Segecic followed with a powerfully struck free-kick from the edge of the box, making it 2-0. Lincoln’s Ryley Towler was replaced by Reeco Hackett before the break.
Lincoln’s Response and Final Blow
Hackett converted a penalty after Zak Swanson was penalised for a handball while blocking a shot from Adam Reach, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, Portsmouth’s Ebou Adams came off the bench to score a thumping 25-yard strike, putting the result beyond doubt. Lincoln’s Rob Street had a deflected effort hit the crossbar in stoppage time, but the hosts were unable to mount a comeback.
Tactical Changes and Key Moments
Lincoln’s head-coaching duo Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw made adjustments after a 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough, with Hackett replacing Towler. Portsmouth made three changes after a 3-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers. The Imps’ energetic attacking approach was evident, but the second goal from Segecic seemed to knock the wind out of their sails.
Post-Match Reactions
Shaw said, “We are disappointed with the result on what was a really big day for Lincoln City Football Club. The first-half performance was positive, but we petered out in the second.” Portsmouth boss John Mousinho praised his side’s defensive solidity and professional response to conceding.
Attendance and Milestones
The match, played at the newly rebranded ProAmpac Stadium, was a milestone day for the Imps, who had not played a Championship home game for 65 years. The 10,545-strong crowd witnessed a historic return that ended in a 3-1 defeat for Lincoln.
